latest news regarding the MacGregor Medal:
- Award Ceremony: The MacGregor Memorial Medal was recently conferred to five military personnel for their outstanding contributions in military reconnaissance, exploration, and adventure for the years 2023 and 2024 . The ceremony took place at the United Service Institution of India (USI) in New Delhi .
- Recipients:
- 2023: Wing Commander D. Panda from the Air Force and Electrical Artificer (Radio) Rahul Kumar Pandey from the Navy .
- 2024: Chief Electrical Aircraft Artificer (Radio) Ram Ratan Jat of the Navy and Sergeant Jhumar Ram Poonia from the Air Force . Colonel Ranvir Singh Jamwal, Director of the National Institute of Mountaineering and Adventure Sports in Arunachal Pradesh, was also awarded, though he was unable to attend the ceremony .
- About the Medal: The MacGregor Memorial Medal was established on July 3, 1888, in memory of Major General Sir Charles Metcalfe MacGregor, the founder of USI . Initially, it recognized military reconnaissance and exploratory journeys, but its scope expanded in 1986 to include military expeditions and adventure activities . The medal is open to all ranks (serving and retired) of the Armed Forces, Territorial Army, Reserve Forces, Rashtriya Rifles, and Assam Rifles .
- Historical Significance: To date, 127 medals have been awarded, with 103 awarded before India’s independence .
